The deficiencies in today’s modern diets created by industrial farming and food manufacturing practices remove vital nutrients, leaving us with lower amounts of essential nutrients than that required by the body. To compensate for some of these deficiencies and promote optimal health, it makes sense to take supplements, especially super greens that provide us with nutrients that even the healthiest diets cannot supply. Here are three of the super greens that can keep you in excellent levels of health.
Spirulina
Spirulina platensis is a blue-green algae found in tropical and subtropical lakes, that has been called “one of the greatest foods on earth”. It has been used by NASA as a complete and compact food source for astronauts in space. It is also one of the richest vegetable sources of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids required to build protein in the body, and is the only known vegetable source of Vitamin B12.
Spirulina contains natural pigments, like chlorophyll and phycocyanin. It is also one of the richest sources of beta carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A. These pigments are also powerful antioxidants that support immunity and may prevent cancer. Because it stimulates the immune system, however, it is not recommended for use in autoimmune conditions.
Research has shown that Spirulina contains compounds called sulfolipids that can act against HIV. It has also shown activity when tested against other viruses like influenza, cytomegalovirus and herpes virus. It supports healthy bacteria in the intestine and suppresses the growth of harmful fungi like Candida.
Spirulina has shown benefits in effectively detoxifying the body of pollutants such as dioxins. It is rich in the essential fatty acid, gamma linoleic acid (GLA). It is also rich in magnesium and contains an easily absorbed form of iron. Spirulina is an excellent supplement, highly recommended for those who want to build muscle and lose weight.
Chlorella
This green algae harvested from fresh water, is another super food with numerous health benefits. It is well known for its use in the detoxification of heavy metals and other pesticides. Thanks to its fibrous outer shell that can bind with the heavy metals and pesticides, it helps the body break down toxic metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead and persistent hydrocarbon compounds such as DDT and PCB.
Chlorella cleanses the bowel, heals ulcers, supports healthy intestinal bacteria and protects the liver, ensuring that metabolic waste is eliminated more efficiently. Most diseases like cancer thrive in an acidic environment. Because it is an alkaline food, chlorella helps your body maintain an ideal pH of about 7.2-7.4.
Chlorella also supports the immune system by stimulating the activity of T-cells and macrophages and boosting interferon levels. Interferon plays in important role in boosting immunity against viruses. It is effective in maintaining normal blood sugar levels in hypoglycemia and regular use has been shown to reduce high blood pressure and prevent stroke.
Green Barley
Green barley is derived from the leaves of young barley plants. The leaf proteins contain 18 amino acids including all those essential to protein metabolism. In addition, the protein is in the form of polypeptides which require very little digestion and can be directly absorbed into the circulation.
Green barley has over ten times more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than oranges, high amounts of beta carotene and vitamin B12 and a unique form of vitamin E. It provides vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, folic acid, and pantothenic acid and number of trace minerals like zinc, potassium, copper, phosphorus, and manganese.
It also contains the powerful antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) that fights free radicals. Since it is extremely alkaline, it helps balance the body’s pH and keep it at healthy levels. Green barley extracts have been found to control cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and fight ulcers. A-glucan, a fiber present in this supplement is also present in oat bran, which is known to reduce cholesterol.
Whether used alone or in combination, these super greens can give you an advantage against pollution, diet deficiencies and modern lifestyle that damages your body and causes disease. Consult your physician before taking any supplement.